The sprawling campus of UBC Okanagan sits bathed in late summer sun as students navigate between buildings, many appearing younger than in previous years. This observation isn’t just anecdotal—it reflects a surprising enrollment surge that bucks national trends in post-secondary education.
UBCO officials confirmed yesterday that campus enrollment has climbed 4.2% for the fall 2025 semester, bringing total student population to nearly 12,900. The increase arrives at a time when many Canadian universities struggle with recruitment challenges and shifting attitudes toward higher education.
“These numbers tell a compelling story about the continued value of university education, particularly in British Columbia’s interior,” says Dr. Lesley Cormack, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal at UBCO. “We’re seeing strong interest across disciplines, but especially in programs addressing climate resilience, healthcare, and technology innovation.”
The enrollment boost represents more than 500 additional students compared to last fall, with notable increases in the Faculty of Science and School of Engineering. First-year domestic applications rose 6.7%, while international applications increased 3.1%, according to data released by the university’s registrar’s office.
Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas welcomed the news during yesterday’s council meeting, highlighting the economic impact on the region. “Every new cohort brings vitality to our city—not just economically, but culturally. These students represent our future workforce and community leaders.”
What makes UBCO’s growth particularly noteworthy is its contrast with broader Canadian trends. Statistics Canada reported in June that nationwide university enrollment grew just 0.8% in the previous academic year, with several institutions in Ontario and the Maritimes seeing notable declines.
Walking through the University Centre, I spoke with Melissa Granger, a first-year Health Sciences student from Prince George. “I actually considered taking a gap year or looking at trade programs,” she told me while organizing her new textbooks. “But UBCO offered the perfect mix—strong academics without having to move to a huge city like Vancouver or Toronto.”
This sentiment appears increasingly common among Generation Z students who prioritize quality of life alongside educational opportunities. Dr. James Wilson, education policy researcher at Thompson Rivers University, suggests regional universities like UBCO may be benefiting from shifting preferences.
“Young people today are questioning the traditional university path more than previous generations,” Wilson explains. “When they do choose university, they’re increasingly valuing institutions that offer unique campus experiences, reasonable housing options, and connections to the natural environment.”
The enrollment spike hasn’t come without growing pains. Housing remains a pressing concern, with residence halls at 103% capacity through temporary accommodations. The university has partnered with several off-campus housing providers to address shortfalls, but some students report paying premium rents for basic accommodations.
Third-year political science major Devon Sharma described his housing search as “brutal competition” for limited options. “I’m paying $1,700 monthly for a basement suite I share with a roommate. Two years ago, similar places went for $1,200.”
UBCO administration acknowledges these challenges. Campus Planning Director Sandra Robinson points to three construction projects scheduled to break ground next spring, including a 352-bed residence building. “We’re growing responsibly while recognizing that infrastructure must keep pace with enrollment,” she noted during a campus tour.
Academically, the university has added 14 faculty positions to maintain student-teacher ratios, with particular emphasis on first-year course sections that saw bottlenecks last fall. The library has extended hours to accommodate increased demand, and the campus shuttle service added two additional buses.
Beyond raw numbers, demographic shifts reveal interesting patterns. Applications from rural British Columbia communities increased 9.2%, while the average age of incoming students dropped slightly to 18.4 years. The Faculty of Management saw its most diverse cohort ever, with 38% of new students identifying as first-generation university attendees.
“We’re seeing young people make calculated decisions about their futures,” says Maria López, career counselor at UBCO. “They’re much more intentional about choosing programs with clear employment pathways, often researching job placement rates before applying.”
This strategic approach mirrors findings from the BC Council on Higher Education, which reported in July that students increasingly view university not as a default path but as a specific investment. Nevertheless, UBCO’s enrollment growth suggests that when the value proposition makes sense, young people still commit to higher education.
As fall classes begin next week, campus officials remain cautiously optimistic. Retention metrics will prove crucial, as will the university’s ability to deliver quality experiences amid growth. For now, however, the bustling campus offers a counternarrative to claims that traditional university education has lost its appeal.
“Every September brings fresh energy,” reflects Dr. Cormack. “But this year feels particularly significant as we demonstrate that universities can thrive by adapting to changing student expectations while maintaining academic excellence.”
For Kelowna and the broader Okanagan, the influx of students represents both opportunity and responsibility. How the region integrates these newcomers—many of whom may become permanent residents after graduation—will shape the character of this rapidly evolving part of British Columbia for decades to come.
– Daniel Reyes, Senior Political Correspondent
